Ariya FF : Perfectly Neutral | Chapter 6- Page 14 - Page 10

Chapter Three

We humans are never too broken that we can't further be broken . . .

Mumbai

Renulata was happy that her daughter is back home. So happy that it didn't matter where her daughter was for an entire year. Nor did her husband made any attempt to enquire about it after Sheela came back home. After so long their family looks complete now. What more she should be worried about was a hike in gold price, or eligible candidates for to suit her daughter. 

Sheela worked as an entry level software designer at LaWare Techno Solutions, Hyderabad. In the second year of her job, the family didn't hear much from her for a month. That worried them a lot and so they decided to go to Hyderabad to find about her, but all they could do is file an FIR of her missing. The company said she has resigned. She lived in a single room with no friends and kept herself to work only. 

The only thing Renulata prayed all this year is to bring her daughter back home and the god has finally listened to her pleas. Sheela is silent after ever since she has returned but Renulata was okay with it. It didn't matter to her as long as their daughter is close to her and in safety. She continued frying Sheela's favorite noodles and laid out plates for serving.

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Arjun stood in the middle of the hallway in a confusion whether to make more changes to this already furnished flat. He liked it the way it is, however he was sure he wouldn't need more than a study table and a recliner. For a long time there is a stillness in his life. Long time after that emotional horror that still sometimes doesn't let him sleep. Horrors of his past and regrets over his past mistakes. He have come to accept that half part of his misery was due to fate, and other half was inflicted by himself. In both ways he blamed himself only.

He heard his flats bell ring. He wasn't expecting any visitors. He went to open the door and the only other person who would care to knock at his door was standing right in front of him.

"What are you dealing with? Amnesia?" The other one shook his head in disbelief as he peeked inside his new flat.

"Should have known!" Arjun sighed and let him in.

"You know. . . This whatever it is you are doing on the name of starting a new life, could have been done in a more friendly way, um without secrets?

And a resignation letter? 

And what the hell bring you here in THIS flat?"

"Is this some kind of enquiry?" Arjun sighed as he saw Sameer clearly grumbling over the recliner.

"You know me better when I do an enquiry Rawte. Don't test my patience", Sameer glared at him.

"Why are you here? Who invited you?" Arjun moved the last cartoon of his belongings to a corner and took a seat beside his best friend and former chief.

" Aisha told me about the retrieval. And she's so much interested in those weapons. Might I know why she has such interests?" Sameer didn't miss to notice the way Arjun changed his expressions upon hearing that. Aisha do have some point after all.

"What else did she tell you?"

"I am here to listen it from you Rawte. What are you upto? You know you can't interfere in this matter." Arjun heard what he said but remained silent for a long time.

"I am asking you something damn it."

"She was after Sikander." Arjun said and Sameer was stunned. He knew at that time NIA helped them with the clues. And if Riya was in NIA at time she must have been involved. He just forgot to join the dots.

"And now she's after Hussain." Sameer didn't have to ask how everything is making sense now. Why Arjun is interested and why Arjun wanted to intervene no matter how irrational that sounded to him. His interest was not his concern. His concern was once again Arjun is emotionally investing himself in a case. And that didn't look like a good picture to Sameer.

"Why didn't you stop her if you cared so much Arjun?" Sameer asked the right questions. "You still had a chance."

"She doesn't need anyone protecting her Rathore."

"Well I agree to that. It's you who needs to be protected." Emotionally.  He never voiced that out.

"She doesn't trust me".

"And you think by going after her and helping her you would earn her trust?"

"I don't know. At this moment I just want to help her." Arjun remained silent for a long time.

"I hope you'd figure out soon Arjun. I hope whatever you are going to do wont break both of you further."

"You think I can be broekn further?" He asked with a humorless smile? 

"You never know. We humans are never too broken that we can't further be broken Arjun" Sameer said and left. Arjun wondered why he's doing it! He doesn't have answers to all these whys. But all he wants to do is, not let this woman be in this mission alone.

Hyderabad 

The biriyani treat at paradise went with Anjali and Amit making fun of each other. Anjali has a knack for technology as much as Amit has his obsession for computers and they've bonded very well over time. Lately this team has started to feel like a home for her. Riya just knows, once again she has invested herself emotionally into relations. She wasn't expecting to meet Anjali or form a bond with her. But it happened and she'd thank the almighty that she has Anjali. One look at the little girl and she knew she'd get a glimpse of herself. What she doesn't want is the same vulnerability she had all her life. She stroked Anjali's head lightly as Anjali slipped into deep slumber. A notification pinged on her phone as she pulled the blanket over her and Anjali. She checked her phone later after she plopped herself up on the bed and leaned over the headrest. 

A red dot appeared on the screen as she noticed it was moving. So they're finally shifting it. She remembered the time when she placed the tracker on the target. She knew it was purely spying and her actions would have consequences if exposed but she didn't care.

Flashback

Winds of the Arabian sea jostled her hair as she put them in a bun. She loosened her shirt and relaxed finally after a weeklong tiring encounter with the ETF team. "What made you say a yes"? He asked. 

"I am here to spy". She said in a grave tone looking directly into his eyes. He avert his gaze and chuckled. "You still have that easy sense of humor." Riya chucked too. She knew she has to play along. It wouldn't  work otherwise. The Navy has straightaway asked to keep away investigation in this regard. Mohit said, its because Navy doesn't wants its name in the dark after Mumbai attack. Every department wants its cape high. More than eight years in this field and ACP Riya Mukherjee just didn't realize when the chase became a competition.

Roy was pissed. Really pissed when ETF took in charge of the Sikander's case, taking away all the blood and sweat she had put into that mission. ETF took all the credits, while all she's left with is more scars on her body. . .and soul. But she always had this odd sense of satisfaction that she was a part of that mission.

A siren blared in a certain distance and she inched a little closer to the edge of the deck, standing just beside the MIG29K. One look down into the water and she saw the crane go down, that means the subs have found the box. Finally some evidence to her statements.

However, she was still in doubt if Navy would still allow her to investigate. She looked at Mohit who was too busy staring at her. The guy looked lost. Sadly, she doesn't fancy such reactions from guys anymore. There was a time. . . And everything about that time looks so foggy now.

"Something to add to your statement eh?" Mohit joked again. 

"What did you invite me for here? Where's lunch."

"You clearly didn't look like you were ready for a date."

"Well a human can be hungry." She said and he lead her towards a lonely area of the cruise. It had a canopy, a table, a wine bottle, and amid the salty smell of the ocean, she smelled a hint of herbs from delicious Italian food. The man remembers her taste. It was just a hopeless declaration. 

Like a gentleman he pulled out a chair for her and she sat opposite to his chair. He joined her later. Mohit tried initiate small talks that ended rather abruptly. He could clearly see her in a different trance. 

"What's wrong?"

"Bodies."

"Bodies?"

"We guessed there would be at least 5 bodies."

"How are you okay with talking about body while chewing on ravioli?"

"Just like that!" She said as she gulped from the wineglass.

"If you are expecting, but I can't guarantee any explanation on that."

"I am not counting anymore on you Mohit." That sounded like her last words to him. Mohit was taken aback by her sudden reaction.

"Then why are you here?"

"I told you already. You just never took me seriously." She said as she wiped her lips with the tissue and crossed her forks.

Mohit was still digging into his food when a commanding officer interrupted them and asked for Mohit.

"Shall we?" She asked him, and he reluctantly followed the commander with Riya towing behind.

They stopped near the deck where the crane was being pulled and they noticed a box. The box was about the same size Riya and ETF have found before at the warehouse. Riya could clearly make her connection. Even though Zakir was dead he left too many loose ends that never got any explanation.The men dragged the box across the deck and wiped it off water. 

"When this box will be opened?" Riya whispered to Mohit. "First it will be analysed for and then we'll open it". She got the clear indication that, whatever they are going go do with the box, she surely wouldn't be in the audience to notice it.

"The lunch is over Riya." Mohit said. Riya saw some sort of reluctance in his eyes and disapproval on his face. She knew she was somehow feeding into his expectations. However, she knew he'd realise it soon.

Riya knows now he's alert. She has to act fast as she realised the cruise is already on it's way back and even if they'd find anybody her department won't ever get to handle the case. The only thing she wanted to know was what's inside the box.

She tried to ease up her conversation with Mohit by talking about their injured mutual friend as she waited. Soon the cruise hit the dock. And she knew her time over the ship is over.

Mohit came closer to Riya as she was suddenly taken aback by his swift movement and stumbled. Her heels slipped as she made contact with the floor, her hands resting right over the seized box for support. Mohit apologized for making her fall as she winced in pain. Her injured hand hurts. She lingered a little longer resting over the box when Mohit held her other hand and helped her stand up. 

"I am sorry about that." He whispered, looking her in the eye. Riya tried to avoid his gaze. She didn't want him to see her eyes. 

"It's... it's okay." She stuttered. Mohit thrusts a card in her hand. "You will call me." Riya didn't answer. "I know you will Riya." Mohit said again as she remained silent. She just simply said a goodbye and finally made her way towards the stairs to get down towards the dock, praying to her lucky stars that Mohit won't the box. She just hoped the chip she planted at one side of the box go undetected from human eyes as she knew the chip isn't detectable by analysers. 

Flashback ends

She immediately dropped a text to Amit to keep it on track and notify her when the signal is stable. That's the only time she'd be able to make a move. She put the phone aside and slept holding Anjali closer.

The next morning 

Mumbai

Renulata knocked at her daughter's bedroom when she realized Sheela isn't up when it's almost nine in the morning. She pushed the door and realised it was open. Renulata went inside and saw her daughter sleeping on the bed. 

She chose not to disturb Sheela and stated cleaning her room. The plate of food on the table confused her. It was the same noodles she has made for her daughter the previous night. By looking at the plate, it looked untouched. This worried Renulata and she went ahead to check on her daughter again. 

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Shree woke up to a fresh smell of strong black coffee. And for the first time after a weeklong exhaustion he didn't wake up to his 'bestfriend' s thoughts. Liza came inside his bedroom with a coffee tray and sat opposite to him on the bed holding the tray on his lap. She was wearing an oversized Tshirt that's reaching just about her knees. She handed him the cup. "Slept better?" She asked him with a smile.

"Yeah"! Shree replied with a smile. Lately he realised just how much oblivious he was to her reaction about the whole thing. Even though he knew Liza wouldn't ever ask, he knew he owe her an explanation. After Riya left ETF, he locked himself emotionally. But when Liza came he didn't know when he let Liza step into his comfort zone. Even though they met in college, their story was no way closer to a college love story.

When Liza joined ETF as the senior forensic specialist she wasn't expecting to see Shree in her wildest dreams. She just prayed both their college rivalry wouldn't surge a war in ETF. But nothing of that sort happened. She was rather surprised to see a calm and composed person in Shree who just came to ETF to do his job and return home. She bonded well with the other two women of ETF who mentioned to her that apart from their Arjun sir, Shree is another cold case in the team and needs to be dealt properly.

Everything about this new Shree rattled Liza as Shree made no effort to mingle with her. And strangely Liza couldn't take that indifference. Liza made all her efforts to get to him, by taunting him and making fun of him like always. She'd tell their college life stories to Chotu and he'd laugh with her. But nothing helped. And one day she was frustrated with Shree that she straightway asked him what on earth is wrong with him? Shree got so angry that he just shouted on her to stop interfering in his life. Shree knew his reply would hurt Liza. He just wanted her away. But the next when Liza came around with red eyes and dark circles Shree somehow managed to apologize to her because the newfound indifference from Liza was hurting him too. That single sorry somehow fixed things between them. 

"What are you thinking? You don’t have to strain your brain. If you don't want to talk it fine. At least don't insult my coffee." Shree was taken back to reality by her words and started sipping his coffee.

"We will talk." He said and she nodded.

Liza was about to say something when her phone beeped. She finished her call and came to inform Shree. 

"There's a death"!

"A death? And not a murder?" 

"The case looks suspicious. "

"On what grounds?" Shree asked not getting her point.

"It is that missing girl who returned home yesterday." Shree processed whatever she said as he kept the coffee on the side table and got up to get ready for the crime scene.

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Hey guys,

I hope all of you are safe and fine. I pray for all of you. Please stay at home and stay safe. 

Coming to the update

Once again, another thanda update 

Please read and review. 

Updates from now on will be a delayed a little

Also, the story will be updated in this section only and not in the forum. If you haven't Followed/Added this story your library, please do it. Would be easier for me to communicate and for you to get update easily. 

Regards 

Anki

CHAPTER FOUR

You don't chose your enemy! Your enemy chooses you. . .

◇ ◇ ◇

Hyderabad

ACP Anshuman Kashyap was in a hurry and his two BHK house in the police housing colony was in a mess. Making sure the guest room is ready for Tasha, he wondered where should he do the arrangements for his mother. He hadn't the slightest idea that Riya would just call her. 

In the recent years of knowing her, Riya has managed to take a place in their family, so close that his mother considers Riya as her own daughter. The exact resemblance of Riya with his late wife Lavanya stunned his mother to some extent, just like he was stunned. But soon she has also come to realise that Lavanya is dead and she will never come back again. Because, Riya is different. She has no traits of Lavanya. She keeps her pain to herself while Lavanya spoke through her eyes. Lavyanya was an open book. Riya, however is still a layered person with too much of her own vulnerability. He was just happy that Anjali bonds well with her.

Reema and Veer, their forensic experts, volunteered to discharge Tasha and drop her at his place. Tasha is Lavanya's cousin. Anshuman always knew. She was somehow became a support system to Anjali after Lavanya, and to some extent for him too. He never saw her the way Riya said she sees him, until the time she was at the gunpoint, and until the time he knew how she cared enough to endanger her own life to save him. She took a bullet that was aimed for him.

Her falling face and slow breathes on his lap was enough for him to realize that he cant lose her. He can't lose her like he lost Lavanya. And the sudden surge of protective instinct bubbled inside him like never before. He insisted she stays with him after returning from hospital. However he wasn't sure how to act around her. He is still lingering in hesitation. He was glad Riya made that call to his mother.

He heard a knock on the door. He knew who it would be, so he didn't wait and continued cleaning the guest room. "Why didn't you tell me you needed help with cleaning?" Riya walked in with Anjali as Anjali sprinted towards her room to get ready for school. Riya placed the box of tiffin she packed for Anjali at the table and pulled out a chair.

"Did they discharge her?" She asked while grabbing an apple from the table and taking a bite while making her way inside the guest room. "Yes, she's on her way."

"Okay, so I am dropping Anjali at school on my way. By the time if she'd be here, I will meet her."

"She was asking for you at the hospital. Of course I am not going to tell you that you should have been there." He raised his hands up like surrendering. She narrowed her eyes, "you just did." He ignored her reaction and rather folded the bedsheet neatly over the bed.

"Why are you so nervous Anshu? Its just her." She tried to ease him up. She knew he'd confused over the turn of events. But at this point he'd have to figure this out alone. She didn't want interfere. She just wants Tasha to finally find her man and be happy. Only if it would have been this simple as it sounded. 

"Its just that. . . She. I don't know, I want to thank her and at the same time I want to shout at her for her recklessness. She almost died." He said as he slumped over the bed closing his eyes.

Riya went close to him saying, "she's fine. And that's all that should matter as of now." He nodded in her response.

"I am ready." Anjali walked inside in her school uniform carrying a bag over her shoulder. "See you later." Saying so Riya came outside taking Anjali's bag and giving the father daughter duo some time. She dialed to Amit.

"Any progress?" She asked.

"Nope. Target is still in movement."

"Let me know when its stable." She said and hung up. After that she received a call from Roy asking her to report to him in the office. So finally the wait is over.

Mumbai

"Wasn't she the missing girl who returned home yesterday?" Sakshi whispered to Aisha who came back after talking to the family of the girl, Sheela. She just nodded in response. 

"Can you find out about this missing report from the police station?" Aisha asked Sakshi. "Okay, I am heading to the police station then."

"I don't understand why ETF is handling this case." Aisha glowered behind Shree as he had the same expression on his face. Sameer was talking to the devastated old couple who just found their daughter yesterday and then lost her again. "It was as if a dream . . . Yesterday feels like a dream now. She was here and she isn't anymore here. I'd rather have lived with hope of her returning home all my life than losing her like this, said the devastated father.

Sameer kept a reassuring hand over the old man's shoulder and said he will try his best to find out what happened to his daughter. 

"Aisha, I'd want you to take the full details about Sheela's past history. Everything, starting from her missing to her getting back home. Yesterday, Mumbai police was in all limelight for this case and now the girl is dead. Commissioner sir want this case to be dealt sensitively and away from media coverage."

"I think Sakshi might help. She keeps her people at bay when such stuff arise." Aisha said as her eyes travelled up to Liza, who was standing outside as the body was sent to the laboratory for autopsy. Sameer and Aisha both moved toward Liza.

"What do you think Liza?" Sameer asked.

"Her death, looks more natural to me than murder." Liza said confused, "it was as if, she was all fine and suddenly stopped breathing. There's no sign of any struggle. Hard to say if she was sleeping or dead when I came to check the body."

"Let's see what's the autopsy saying about it." Aisha suggested as that's only rational way to find out about what happened rather than baseless speculation. Liza hurried up to reach to her laboratory while the team went back to the headquarters.

"Did you talk to him?" Aisha asked as soon as they reached the SUV, while Sameer could only sigh. 

"After many years I have seen him with a rekindled flame Aisha, and this time too, it might just destroy him." Sameer knew Arjun won't listen to him. But that doesn't mean he won't help him.

"I'd do everything in my capacity to help him Aisha." He told her. 

"I know you will, and I am with you." She replied. Aisha knows their history. The part Sameer told her in a weak moment. After that she wouldn't judge how they were with each other. It took almost 8 years for Smaeer to forgive and accept Arjun. And the last thing she'd want is another rift to their already strained friendship.

NIA, Hyderabad 

Riya joined the technical team at the second floor of NIA building to check up her tasks in queue. She had certain things to look up before she left for Mumbai. The blasts that had happened the previous month has put them all in unrest.

"What's the progress?" She asked Amit. 

"As of now we are able to identify only 37 sleeper cells in the city, which is HUGE and it's still not clearly established which one among them is related to that blast." Amit reported. His team was doing rigorous surveillance most designated hotspots across the city. They have installed CCTV cameras at each location.

"You are right, 37 is too much." Worry seeped in her brain like it will never go. It's becoming tough job to predict what's their plan and how are their going to execute it. "Hell we don’t even know who belongs to which terrorist group."  Having such numbers isn't adding solution to their problem.

"I have something in mind. And I am on it. I will tell you once I get an alert." Amit informed her. 

"Hope that works well Amit. Is he up there?" She asked nervous. 

"Woah! You look nervous." Amit commented seeing her worry etched face.

"You know what I'd name him? A dragon! A freaking fire spitting dragon." She snorted before leaving the technical floor and leaving the their technical analyst in a fit of laughter.

She knocked at the chamber and entered. Unlike any other room, the chief's chamber is one in all having everything he wants right in front of his eyes. Roy likes to operate from his chamber only. Six years of her service to NIA and she knows, Roy has shaped her for better. And there is  no question to that. But what she couldn't get her head around is the way her boss acts himself. Too introvert. She always had this nagging feeling in her head that Roy must have some secrets. But she never dared to pry, for she knew that's not her business. Secondly, she has never seen him indecisive. All in all she respect the man, even though he acts this stiff all the time.

She remained silent as DGP Viraj Roy was still digging his head into one of the computer screen. "I want you to train the new entrants!" He said not looking at her.

"What are you up to boss?" Just a day before he was pestering her to go back to ETF and now he wants her to stay here at the base and train newbies? He finally avert his eyes from the screen and looked at her.

"I am just giving you some . . .rest. you can say it like that." She chuckled at his words. Roy is talking about leisure for his team? What in heaven she did to deserve that.

"Forget about me. I know what you are up to Mukherjee. And trust me that might not go down well with many people." Her face stiffened upon hearing those words.

"And I don't think you are one of them." She said as he smiled. "They will need us boss. No matter what they can't do without us."

"Lt. Srivastav. What's your scene with him?" 

"Nothing more than I've already told you." 

"Keep in touch with him." She made a face at that.

"Vice admiral is sending a liaison to coordinate between NIA and the Navy. Strengthen your contacts Riya. I want Hussain within NIA boundaries and away from any other organization. I hope you understand what I mean.

ETF couldn't better handle THE case even after all the clues presented to them, and all because they had a traitor within them Riya. I want no such liability in my department. Train them, however harsh that might be. I want everyone to be ready heads on for anything.

And I dont care where is Hussain in India, I want him only and only within NIA boundary."

"I understand that Sir, by any chance history won't repeat". She stated formally. 

Colaba Police Station 

Mumbai

Senior inspector Narayan Chaturvedi languidly laid his foot on one of the chairs beside his desk as he leaned back on his chair. It was close to lunch time and he wouldn't entertain another case other than a plate of delicious plate of food. However, that isn't going to be the scene today as Sakshi walked in straight despite the constable reluctance to let her in. 

"ETF, now if you will excuse us." She said looking at the constable as he silently made his way out. 

Chaturvedi was alarmed and straightened himself upon seeing the lady in front of him. "Looks like your lunch will be delayed." She commented lazily eyeing the Dabba that was placed on the table as she took a seat. 

"How can I help you Madam ji." The way he said, she could guess he must be another of those officers who thinks ETF is nothing but a lame bargain of higher authorities to the public.

"What am I seening Chaturvedi ji, you are all over the news."  She could see a small smirk appear on his face which is about fade with the news she has to share with him. 

"Sometimes people need to know that local police works too." He said defianlty. 

"So how did you save Sheela?" Sakshi asked. Chaturvedi's expression changed. He couldn't quite understand why would ETF be interested in some girl who just came back home on her own after being missing for a whole year.

"What's your interest in the girl?" He asked skeptically. 

"Did you ensure her security before handing her over to her family?" 

"What do you mean security? She's fine."

"She's dead." And that struck him hard as he went numb. Sakshi quietly pushed the glass of water to Chaturvedi as he grabbed a hold of it and took a sip. 

"I need everything, from her missing report to her recent statement." She said and he nodded his head. He asked a constable to check the archives. 

"I can only give you the statement Ma'am, the FIR was registered at Hyderabad. We only received a copy. You might get more information from there." He said as soon as the constable handed him a file that contained Sheela's statement. 

She took the file, not before saying, "we'll be in touch." And left his chamber. Chaturvedi emptied the whole glass of water and walked out, his lunch remained at the table forgotten and untouched.

ETF, Mumbai

Sakshi joined the team in the cafeteria as all of them assembled for lunch. Two weeks back everything was normal with the team. Now everyone looked like suffering from the aftermath of a disaster. And once again, she couldn't stop herself from blaming the outsider. 

She hoped to see Arjun around. Its been a week and he hasn't showed up at the office. Something about his actions told her inwardly that he slipping away from her. And she laughed at the irony. You never had him, Sakshi.

She silently pulled aside a chair and sat beside Aisha, her eyes looking for Liza. "Still with the body." Aisha informed her. Shree looked the same aloof and Chotu was busy digging into his food.

"Did you go to the police station?"

"I think we have to connect with Hyderabad police station. Her missing report was registered there. Also she went missing in Hyderabad." Sameer processed the information as he chewed onto his food.

"We'll decide that after the autopsy reports. Its rather strange that a person comes back after a year of going missing and then dies the next day."

"Or may be killed?" Shree interjected. Sameer eyed the technical head of his team and wondered if he's okay. He wasn't okay a week ago. 

"What about her statement?"

"I dropped it at conference room. Have a look after lunch" Sakshi answers.

"There's a call from the forensics, I think autopsy is done." Said Aisha.

"Let's go". 

Aisha, Sameer and Shree got up while Sakshi and Chotu remained. Sakshi for joining them late and Chotu, cause he didn't want to see the anatomy of a dead body, right after lunch.

"Did she love Arjun?" Sakshi asked not looking at Chotu. Chotu was rather taken aback with her sudden inquiry of his best friends personal life. And a realization struck him hard. How unfair he had been to the ladies of the team. They knew nothing of the past. And they didn't deserve this indifference from the team when Riya joined ETF last week. They'd been a part of the team than she was but she has left imprints of herself that still lingers in the minds of the ETF men. 

"That's not important." He remained impassive with his answer, careful not to divulge too much of his best friends one sided love story. 

"You know after Sikander, I thought at least Arjun would think about me." She had to make that statement for she knows the reality of it otherwise. A reality she never wants to resurface. Sikander is dead for the goodness only. 

"She believed the same." Chotu chuckled earning a glare from her. When he saw her glare, Chotu surrendered. "You know him longer than she did Sakshi and you still are unsure of his feelings. Sometimes your heart tells you not to give up and some other time you just have to know when its pointless.  . ." She listened to him carefully, torn between her feelings for him and his non reciprocal vision towards her feelings. You will know when a man wants you Sakshi. The NIA second-in-commands voice budge in her head. And she knew, he never wanted her, just without a realization. "Are you done?" Chotu asked as he dabbed his lips and waited for her.

Forensic Laboratory,ETF 

She was lucky to have an independent lab all for herself as she waited for her team to finish. She doesn't have to depend on state forensics for reports, one of the perks of being a part of ETF.

"How did she die Liza?" Sameer asked as he inspected the body lying in front of him, covered in a white sheet. 

"There were indication of hypoxia, we could see the lungs damage clear. What's strange is there aren't other signs. No signs of breathlessness. As if she didn't know she was dying."

"Is it natural?"

"We are yet to get the toxicology reports. As per her parents she didn't take any medication. But that can't always be fully verified owing to the fact that she just returned home yesterday. You guys  have to do a thorough search on her history." The case was too suspicious to look this simple.

"Shree, connect with Hyderabad police and see where her case has been registered and I need a full report on her history." Sameer ordered her. As soon as he left, Liza looked at Aisha and Sameer. They understood her.

"He will be fine. Give him some time. Past has changed him a lot Liza. . ." Sameer spoke. Who can know his past better than me? She thought to herself. However, Shree wasn't her concern at the moment, she was bothered with something else.

"What happened? You still look worried?"

"Sir you remember in previous case we have rechecked the doctors clinic and found some unidentifiable chemicals?"

"Yes. what is with it?"

"I had sent it to national laboratory but the report is still negative. I am afraid the doctor was dealing with something unverified or off the label which has no records in India at least."

"So what do you think should we do?"

"Refer it some international laboratory?" She asked. She was hesitant for asking this. The amount of regulations they'd have to follow will be rather hectic. Yet, the new chemical has intrigued her.

"I will see what can be done about this one Liza. Go have your lunch." 

"I had fries." She muttered. Aisha rolled her eyes and presented her a knowing look. Sameer just nodded his head in exasperation and said, “I’ll let you know about the referral.” He sprinted out of the laboratory.

Unidentified location

“That girl Sheela, she’s dead.” A row of obscenities thrown towards him as the inexperienced petite figure took the wrath of his boss. 

“that’s a natural death.” The boss, said.

“what if they’d find out?”

“They won’t find a trace. And even if they do, they wont be able to lay a finger on us.” The boss, was too confident that nothing can go wrong with their perfectly crafted plan.

“You knew she’d die?” The junior asked with a horrified expression to which the boss laughed. 

“You are new to this young man. You will get acquainted. And yes, don’t bother with me for anything like this again.” Saying so  the boss made his exit, leaving behind the junior confused with what he should be used to. The discrepancies or the deaths.

“there’s a delivery.” Said the juniors partner as he his noticed the horrified face.

“What’s wrong?”

“We have instructions, not to report this event.”

“What? But that’s .  . .”

“I know. . . Something is wrong here, we have to be careful until we figure out.” He said and both of them went ahead to receive the package.

ETF conference room, Mumbai

“Damn it.” ACP Sameer Rathore roared as he finished the file starting Aisha who was sitting beside him.

“Personal reason. . . That’s all written in her statement. Nothing on how she was missing or anything like that.”

“Is there a possibility of a family feud?” Aisha asked. 

“the family, was happy when she came back and it was her parents who reported her being missing. If it’s only been a family feud they wouldn’t have involved police.”

“Or probably there was something wrong with this girl altogether. Like one day she suddenly decided she doesn’t want to see her family and she just vanish and one day she comes back. People with right mind wouldn’t do that.” Sakshi interjects. 

“People might have issues Sakshi, real issues.” Shree snapped at her suddenly. She remained silent to his reply, knowing very much that Shree is visibly disturbed. Just like yesterday Shree himself was indicating the same and now he’s having an issue with it.

“We should talk to her family once again.” Aisha said.

“patient history says, she worked as a software designer at LaWare techo solutions at Hyderabad. But suddenly she decided to quit and after that went missing.”  Shree explained to the team.

“We are not even sure if it’s a murder.” Aisha said in a deep tone. She’s fed up with ETF doing damage control in cases where local police is failing whilst it should have been otherwise. 

“We have other things to do team, let’s put this on hold till we get confirmation from the forensics.” Sameer said and ordered them to finish last weeks paper works.

“Did anyone checked up on Preetika?” Shree asked particularly to no one. When his he got no response from the team, he went on to find out himself.

Malabar hills,

South Mumbai

This area is indeed the place for all high raised people. However, ACP Arjun Rawte never found the vibe. Being born to one such family, Arjun still couldn’t hang around the idea that everything is normal outside this periphery. 

He didn’t know what brought him here. Probably a quest to close down all the loose ends of his life or to strengthen the new ones. Ever since he stepped out of the house to join the force, he has been the outsider. He was an only child to his parents. His father, Mr. Rawte took in all the pride to be the father of such a bright child, but Arjun was altogether very different from the beginning.

He walked down the street and stopped at the huge metal gate outside the Rawte Villa. There used to be an old security guard who isn’t there anymore. Nine damn years and he is standing right in front of the doorsteps. He could see the silhouette of a lady sitting in the lawn. His mother. His beautiful caring mother to whom he didn’t bother to call for years. He could already feel barricades raising high within himself as he held the rods of the metal door. 

“Ae kaun hai aap, aur yaha kya kar rahe hai?” a voice broke his chain of thoughts. He turned to look at a man in his thirties in a security uniform. He needn’t guess who he might be. 

“Kuch nahi, shayad galat pate pe aa gaya tha.” Arjun replied. Saying those words felt easier than actually stepping inside and break all his barriers. And yet again, he distanced himself and took a reverse. Nostalgia of his childhood never made a home within him. He’d been too occupied with the horrors of his past that he forgot he had a life too.

"Chalo niklo yaha se. Saab ko anjan log pasand nahi. . ." The security guy tried to shoo him away. Stranger? That's what he is to them now. 

I will step in. 

Maybe some other time. 

Maybe some other time when I’ll have more than my broken self to offer to them.

He took one last glance at the house and walked down the same way he arrived.

◇◇◇

Do you feel story is going nowhere? 

Well, me too

I hope you aren't bored with the depth of the case if yes, let me know.

Thanks for reading

Anki

Precap 

"What happened now?" Arjun was visibly irritated with his bestfriends constant nagging in his life decision. And he wondered, they were better when they were in 'odd' terms. 

"There's a case."

"When there isn't Rathod?"

"Someone has to go to Hyderabad. I was thinking of you but then you've resigned. If you dont want to go that's fine. . . I will probably ask Shree."

"When is the flight?" Arjun was too abrupt to interrupt Sameer. Sameer understood his impatience. 

"Get ready, Sakshi will give your ticket at the airport." 

"Okay", he was enchanted just with the thought of going to Hyderabad. Riya never talked about her place, her city or her life out there. Even though he knew he was going for a case, he couldn't rule out the slightest possibility of meeting her by chance. 

[[[DRAFTING]]]

Hey guys 

So I am back with an update and its really long.

I think this chapter will have some surprises for you

Do let me know how you felt about it. 

So here you go

● •●• ●

Time changes people? Or people changes with time?

Chapter 5

Forensic Laboratory

ETF, Mumbai 

Dr. D’Cruz, made sure that the sample remain airtight as she sealed it properly and handed it to the delivery agent. ETF Chief listened to her request and arranged for the unidentified chemical to be tested further.

The toxicology report was out. There were signs of severe infection in her blood and probably the reason she encountered a toxic shock and died due to it. The damage in lungs was a proof of that. However the causative agent was absent in the report. She’s yet to receive the culture report of her lungs. Only then can she make a final report. However she wanted to support the team with preliminary. So she decided to pay a visit to the team at the conference room.

The conference room looked too glum to her liking as she remembered the recent change of atmosphere. All were engrossed in some file or other. Even the chief was in the conference room and not in his chamber. That terminated all hopes of a girly gossip she was expecting at the end of the day. And the most important thing, Shree was absent. That thought worried her. 

She entered inside and stopped in front of Sameer. He noticed her when she handed him the preliminary report. He took a look at the report and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Sir I suggest a thorough history check before we proceed with the case. Otherwise we’d be wasting our time.”

Sameer pondered over her suggestion. But who will leave all important stuff to dig up months old case file of a girl who he wasn’t sure if murdered or not. 

“Who will go Hyderabad now?” He asked himself in a slow voice when a new idea made home in his mind.

“Hyderabad. Yes!!” He exclaimed with a childlike excitement much to the surprise of Aisha and Sakshi as well as Liza. The only one who smiled was Chotu. His mind racing to the same conclusion as his chief has made.

“sir?” Liza asked with an unsure expression, seeing her chief getting excited as if they got the killer.

“we will check the history thoroughly Liza. Leave that up to me.” He said with a smirk and sprinted outside hurriedly. The ladies stared into each other while Chotu followed Sameer. 

Arjun’s Apartment 

Mumbai

"What happened now?" Arjun was visibly irritated with his best friends constant nagging in his life decisions. And he wondered, they were better when they were in 'odd' terms. 

"There's a case."

"When there isn't Rathod?"

"Someone has to go to Hyderabad. I was thinking of you but then you want to resign. If you don’t want to go that's fine. . . I will probably ask Shree. . ." The mention of Hyderabad was enough to bring him back to listening carefully as to what his ‘best friend’ was trying to say.

"When is the flight?" Arjun was too abrupt to interrupt Sameer. Sameer understood his impatience. 

"Get ready by morning, Sakshi will give you your ticket at the airport. I will text the schedule." 

"Okay", he was enchanted just with the thought of going to Hyderabad. Riya never talked about her place, her city or her life out there. Even though he knew he was going for a case, he couldn't rule out the slightest possibility of meeting her by chance. 

“Arjun, be careful with the case.” That was rather surprising for Sameer to even say this to Arjun. ACP Arjun Rawte isn’t a person who gets distracted easily. But a man has his limits too. Sameer better understood his plight. “I will send you the case details.” 

“Thank you . . . Sam". Arjun said after a long pause. 

“don’t screw up this time” those were his last words for Arjun. 

As soon as the call ended he knew he has to act fast. He was never too eager to extract a year old case file, that to from another state and another city.

Mumbai domestic airport 

Mumbai

The next morning, Sakshi found him at the third terminal, standing in blue jeans, white shirt, and a backpack. She rushed to him with his ticket in her hand. The location printed on it clearly telling her how he’s slipping away from her and she could just do nothing but watch him go. His eyes found her and he made a move. 

She noticed his impatience and handed him the ticket. He muttered a thanks. No further conversation. She stopped him.

“Arjun.”

He turned.

“Its fine if you cant reciprocate, but you can at least consider me as your friend. I understand why you are going there.” She said. She got no reply from him.

“Will you meet her there?”

“I don’t know.”

“What will you tell her?”

“I am not sure?”

“Why the hell are you even going there then?”

“I. . . I just want to see her.” The desperation in his voice was evident and also was a sign for her that she should leave.

“You are going to open some raw wounds Arjun. Don’t do anything stupid.” He nodded in response. She watched him leave. The uneasiness never left her. Everything started suffocating her and she knew, her time is over. Thirty minutes later his flight took off.

Gachibowali Police station,

Madhapur, Hyderabad

After landing at Hyderabad airport he first checked himself in at the hotel and stashing his stuff in the room he started for the Gachibowli police station as he booked a cab. 

He entered inside the police station and was directed to the IT corridor. His eagerness only was obvious to his subconscious. He knew he took off for a reason. A reason that will lead him to her. And now that he’s here he has no idea how he will approach her. He can’t really go banging on her door and asking her to let him in cause he flew all the way from Mumbai just to meet her! And he was sure she wont believe that. 

Her absence in the past week made him crave for her presence in his life. It was as if he was accustomed to her ever since he saw her in that warehouse, the moment she saved his life. But what he couldn’t decide is how appropriate it would be to just land in front of her and confess to her. And confess her what? That she’s the only living hope he is holding on to. 

Of course she won’t believe you! She has every reason not to.

However that didn’t matter. He wasn’t expecting anything from her side, for he knew, the only emotion she’d ever had for him since the past six years was hatred. A disgruntled lover with so much hatred for him. And no matter how much he punishes himself, the guilt of his deeds will never subside. He had destroyed her irrevocably.

The whole station was eerily calm as he looked around to find someone. A woman in her late twenties walked in to room. She was in her khaki, labelled three star on shoulders. 

He took out his ID, “ACP Rawte, from Mumbai. We’ve made a request to extract information regarding the ‘Sheela missing case.”

“IIC Reddy, the extraction is in process. If you wouldn’t mind waiting a little.” She asked apologetically. He nodded his head in response as he took a seat in in front of her desk and sat quietly. The IIC went inside to the room from where she has emerged previously. 

Almost thirty minutes later when he thought he have waited enough, he got up and was about to March inside when the IIC reappeared. 

“I am sorry sir, you have to wait a little more.”

He sighed in frustration for the delay. “What exact problems are you having officer?” 

“Technical problems sir. Our system is being hacked multiple times.” IIC Meera Reddy said, rather frustrated with her own inability.

“what do you mean your system is being hacked, do you not have protection”?

She shook her head as if he was kidding. “those arrangements are done only for high profile teams like yours Sir.” She tried to hide her silent fury beneath a sleazy smile. Arjun ignored her. 

“You have to wait some time, I have sent someone to archival department to extract the original copies". She informed. 

“What can you say about the case?”

“Unfortunately I was not in charge during that time Sir, so you’d have to go by the records only.” He tried to muster his impatience by asking her more about who was previously in charge. And that’s when the air around the room felt intoxicated. Intoxicated with a similar fragrance that could only and only belong to her. 

(A few minutes earlier)

“Well Amit, I’d have handled this alone. You needn’t come with.” She said in a grave tone.

“How. . . How come? I know you will need me.’  He said hesitantly fumbling with his words, failing to catch the mischief in her tone. 

“Huh. You think I wouldn’t notice.” She then said playfully.

“Shut up okay. We are close, I don’t want ears upon us.” She just shrugged and both of them continued walking inside the police station. 

As soon as they reached IIC Reddy's chamber, something froze her. She saw his back and never in her life time she could fail to recognize the person. But she questioned herself. Why? Why is she seeing him here? You have started hallucinating probably. Her mind told her. She shook her head to clear her mind. 

But then she saw Amit with whom she has stepped inside because the rookie technical assistant who was sent here to fix system was unable to do so.

(Now)

“Here we see Verma ji.” She heard the delightful greeting from the inspector in charge as she could already feel Amit losing his balance for the sweet call. She giggled beside him as he nudged her with elbow. No wonder why Amit himself comes to fix things like this in here. 

She was here to get the latest list of possible names on the sleeper cell search and so far this police station has managed to fill the numbers. 

Just when she smiled widely at IIC, the figure turned and what she saw shook her again. This time she went numb. She surely isn’t hallucinating. 

By the time his eyes landed upon her, he felt that he was no better than her.  But then someone has to call her ACP Mukherjee. And he came to the term with the fact that she’s there for real. 

Their eyes met and things started blurring around them.  Because they were lost in unprecedented thoughts about each other. 

“Riya!!” Amit who was standing just beside her nudged her, bringing her out of her trance. She turned to his side, trying to remain neutral about the whole commotion of being baffled at his arrival, her mind still running rounds of questions as to why he’d be here, and being restless for not getting a possible explanation all by herself.

“please check if we have any more additions to the list. We have to set out for checkpoints.” She instructed Amit and then she moved to greet the IIC.

“The guy over there is really sloppy.” IIC Reddy said to her with a snort.

“Why don’t you talk to some tech support team already, it’s so unauthorized for NIA to come and fix your bugs Meera.” IIC Reddy would have come up with something more brash in reply, however whatever the NIA second in command said is truth only. But she cant trust any tech support team for her system and the realization that NIA needs her cooperation as much as she needs theirs struck her. The new IT cell in her department is indeed gaining appraisals too often after her team tracked down a few sleeper cells 

“You know my reasons.” IIC Reddy revealed no more than that and asked her to take a seat.

“I’d wait outside.” Riya said as she was about to turn.

“Hey, did you meet ACP Arjun Rawte? He’s from Mumbai and here to extract some information, if you could wait here with him, I will just go and help Verma ji . But, I cant leave him here unattended”. 

“ACP Rawte, meet ACP Riya Mukherjee, from NIA. I hope you don’t mind a small talk?” IIC Reddy asked looking at Arjun, trying to muster all the politeness she has, into her words. ACP Rawte just nodded in response. Leaving both of them, IIC Reddy followed the NIA technical head inside the technical room.

And once again, when the world around them blurred for real, she looked at him with questioning eyes. The reality came crashing upon her that she was not dreaming him. He’s very much standing here, right in front of her. And what surprised her the most was, she wasn’t thrilled at all, she didn’t feel an ounce of exhilaration seeing him there. All she could be was just curious and a bit surprised. 

Maybe, just maybe I can handle this without freaking out.

“Tea?” She asked raising a brow.

“preferably over a small talk. I don’t mind”, He said his eyes glistening with excitement. She headed towards the door as he followed her outside trying not read more into his eyes.

Almost ten minutes later, he stared at the steaming cup of cutting chai , that was placed on the bonnet of her SUV. She gulped from her regular coke and kept staring anywhere but him. He couldn’t help but wonder how their equation have changed over the past few weeks. 

She was this begrudging woman who wasn’t ready to even stand under the same roof as he was. And now she’s standing in front if him, with a calm demeanour, and no sarcastic reply to spit. Probably he liked her better the bitter way. This way she feels more distant.

“where are you staying?”

“Highway inn.”

“Do you not feel the language barrier around here?” 

“I was supposed to learn.” She said silencing him. Of course, she had to. How stupid of a question was that.

“how’s work going?”

“Going good.”

Again a pause in their presumably ‘small talk.’ 

“are you free for some time?”

“Why?” her reply came sharply.

“I wonder if you are free enough to join me for dinner?”

“Are you asking me out?” She asked and he almost choked on his tea. 

“We never got the chance to properly thank you for your help.”

“oh!” she said after a pause. “So your idea of thanking anyone is to take them to dinner?” she asked curiously.

“dinners are socially awkward for me, but anyway who doesn’t like food?” he asked.

“Right.”

“so where do you suggest?”

“Find a place ACP. Your treat.” She said pointing towards him.

“I think we agreed upon you calling me Arjun and not ACP.”

“I prefer ACP.” She commented. 

“What else do you prefer about me?” He asked, his voice had a glint of mischief that felt rather awkward to her, awkward enough make some butterflies in her stomach.

“You flew all the way from Mumbai to Hyderabad to do what? Asking me out for dinner?” She asked him in a dead serious tone as he was about to choke again upon hearing that.

You wont believe if I say a yes.

His mind replied. 

“there’s a case Riya. I am here for information only.”

What else were you expecting Riya? 

Her mind screamed at her.

“So how do you feel about Hyderabad?”

“Its too hot around here.” She raised her brow again when he clarified,  “humid I mean.”

She checked her phone and told him that Amit have finally fixed the system. She waited for him to finish his tea and both of them followed inside.

“Here’s the information you wanted Sir. IIC Reddy handed him the file as well as the CD drive which had all the information regarding the case.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” She asked. “Yes, address to LaWare Tech solutions.” He asked politely.

 “Sure, it should be in the file.”

“you said your system was  being attacked. When was the last time that happened?” Arjun inquired.

“Just yesterday.”

“Is there anything missing on it?”

“We haven’t done a thorough check on it. Our technicians are on it.”

“Thank you for your help Inspector. I should be leaving now.” He said and smiled at her politely. Riya watched the whole commotion and remained silent. 

“ACP Mukherjee, do you mind dropping me if the address is on your way?” he asked turning to her, surprising Amit. Amit noticed the familiarity with which he called her. And then it strikes Amit, he is from ETF, Mumbai.  He didn’t let his curiosity shine and waited for an introduction.

“Sure. Amit, this is ACP Rawte from Mumbai, help him with the address and drop him. And ACP Ratwe, this is Amit Verma, the chief technical officer of Hyderabad branch.” Amit didn’t miss the formality in her voice. The tone she uses when she avoids a conversation. He also understand that her being here is more important than dropping someone at some location out of courtesy. And apart from that Amit has no inkling of what transpired between her and the ETF in the past week. 

“Don’t, worry. I will" He told Riya. Then he turned to the IIC. “You can reach out to me at any time.” He said to her grabbing some awkward  attention. Arjun didn’t fail to notice the smirk that played across her lips when Amit said that. Both men started out leaving the ladies behind.

“Why isn’t he telling me?” IIC Reddy asked to particular no one and Riya, understood her plight. Its no news to her that her comrade and the chief technical officer of NIA harbours some soft corner for the IIC. 

“he will when he’ll be ready, perhaps.” Having so much of heart aching experience for the thing called love, she’s nowhere near giving someone any tips on how to make things work. It never worked for her.

“Let’s get back to work.” Riya said when she saw IIC Reddy being lost in thoughts. 

<■>

“So past week must be so rough on you. I know what happened with Navy and coastguards.” Amit tried to initiate small talk seeing the ACP awkwardly silent beside him in the SUV.

“Yes. . . Does she risk herself like this too often?” Arjun asked, trying to know more about how she operates if the filed.

“Well. . . That depends on the situation. There’s no pattern to her as to how she works.” Amit said as he smiled. It was true indeed. Their second in command is too less predictable and it makes her job easy. However, he couldn’t understand why the ACP would be interested in how their second in command operates. 

“Thank you for your support. . . Your information really helped us with identifying Hussain.” Arjun said, and Amit went stiff beside him. He just hoped he wont have to divulge more information. His demeanour comes with a little politeness, unlike Riya who can shut anyone out on the name of privacy and confidentiality. 

“Was just doing my job. Are you staying for long?” Amit asked trying to divert the topic which was well sensed by Arjun. Knowing he isn’t getting more on that part, he chose not to prod anymore with him. “until I find what I am looking for.”

“I wish you all the best.” Amit said as he pulled aside. A road leading to the HITECH CITY. 

“Left to this corner, that’s your location. Do you need anything else?”

Arjun unwrapped himself from the seatbelt and got out opening the door. He held the door in midway to ask, “if you can suggest me some good diner?”

“The best one to be explored is Paradise.” Arjun muttered a thanks. 

“ACP Arjun, if it’s a table for two, make sure you take a corner. She doesn’t like people gawking at her.” Amit had to add that bit of information. Arjun was surprised with Amit’s reply and how quick he was to grasp the fact that their second in command and he have some history. 

Back to the police station, Riya saw the profile of some new additions to her already growing list of sleeper cells in the city. She has no iota of information as to how and where they are appointed. How many of them are active and who is leading them at the back end. The need of a proper surveillance system was actually halting her investigation. She thought about talking with Roy in this regard. The surveillance should be installed soon. She thanked IIC Reddy for the information.

One reason she entrusted Inspector Meera Reddy is because local police won’t bring much attention. It’s no news that after Sikander, NIA raided and busted almost all his addas. However, a few managed to hide and save themselves. A few like Hussain.

“For now I can only send you the leads, I have to check up on something else.” IIC Reddy said.

“what’s wrong?”

“missing cases, very unusual.”

“why unusual?”

 “its happening in more frequent and in addition to it some deaths as well.”

“Deaths? And not murders?”

“Hard to say which one is true.”

“How many?”

“Three since past two weeks.”

“Let me know if I can help you with anything. Are you handling all the cases?”

“East zone has two cases and I have one. One casualty also in Mumbai.”

“Mumbai?”

“Yeah, ACP Rawte was here for that only.”

“Do you see any link?”

“Not yet. The victims were no where related, there is no pattern,  different locations and different age group. Too hard to categorize them.”

“then I’d leave you to your investigation.” She said as she finally made her exit from the police station. She scheduled her day accordingly, which involved assigning tasks to trainees, follow the latest leads and of course, another meeting with her boss.

Paradise Biriyani, Gachibowli

Hyderabad

When arjun was finished with his investigation, he returned to the hotel to rest for a while and then fished out the nearest outlet of paradise. He texted her the time and location. It was close to the police station. A tiny part of him was wondering what if she wont appear? What if she’d refuse? But when she received a return text from her he was sure. 

This surely wasn’t a date. But the tingles he felt in his body at the thought of having her right in front of him was so much like a college time excitement. 

He wasn’t expecting her to be any better as he saw her walk in, her sleeves rolled up, patches of sweat on her forehead, and dishevelled  shirt. She looked nothing like how she looked in the morning. And yet, he still found the sweat stricken face too pleasing to his eyes.

She entered like she’s regular around the place, paying no heed to the receptionist or the people around. Her eyes did a quick scan of the entire place as they finally spotted him in a corner. 

Then she moved inside, reached his table. He was about to get up, when she signalled him not to and pulled a seat opposite to him and slumped down, exhaustion already wearing her out. 

He noticed her from head to toe while she walked towards him and he need not guess how tired she must be. 

“how’s your hand?” he asked.

“Its good. Its healing. But still pains like shit.” She said. 

“at least you must take some painkillers.”

“Painkillers don’t help me much.” She said and he understood more that what she was trying to say. More than she felt. 

“Shall we order? I am hungry.” She was quick to ask.

“Sure.”

“What would you suggest?”

“anything. . . Like anything edible is fine with me.” He chuckle at her response and she was quick to notice and yet she ignored him. He called the waiter and ordered the famous biriyani, a specialty of that restaurant. 

“Did you get what you wanted from here?” 

Yeah. She’s sitting right in front of me.

“Uh. . . Nothing much. The case is becoming complicated over here. The girl, she was missing for a year and we found her dead at her home after she came back. We have no idea what she did during this year. We are not even sure if she just died or it was a murder.”

And yet, he was here. 

“no friends or office mates who could help?” she questioned. 

“Nothing.” There wasn’t the previous glum around him whenever he’d disappointed with the case. Tonight he looks content. 

Six years is a long time and people change, accept it Riya.

And gradually they were discussing the case. She in an attempt not to be too intrusive in his life tried to maintain a healthy conversation. A safe conversation that hasn’t yet made her come with a sarcastic reply, fumbling words or taunts. And he, trying to feed her any information she asked about, just to keep the conversation get going, not wanting to stop at any point, counting the time he has left with her. And all of it made him just too restless.

When both of them finished their food and he finally paid at the counter, the hollow feeling was once back to make him unrest. He saw her outside, standing alone and looking at the road. Soon he joined her beside. . .

“Thanks for the dinner.” She said, a formal politeness laced with her words and eyes devoid of what he wanted to see.

“So are you waiting for someone?” He asked.

“yes. You. Just wanted to say . . . Good night?”

“how will you go?”

“walking. I just live in the PHC. Its about 500 meters from here.”

“Mind if I walk you there?”

“I’d be fine.”

“I don’t doubt that, but I insist.”

“I know what you are trying to do.” She finally said, something meant personal to both of them.

“you are trying to be keep things normal around me.”

“A pretty good guess.” He chuckled at that to which she frowned. A glimpse of the face he was used to since the past week.

“Look, I . . . I don’t want to talk about what happened. I don’t want to see you trying to do all of this out of guilt or whatever. . .”

“last time you asked me for breakfast, I thought you want to ease up things too.”

“I do.” She said sharply as she turned to the footpath. That was his cue to follow her. He matched her pace and was instantly beside her as they started walking.

“So what’s stopping you?” He asked rather in a normal voice. The normalcy started getting into her too.

“I just don’t know how to be normal around you, you were always too intimidating in the past. . . and that’s probably because I never had the chance before.” The ACP Arjun Suryakant Rawte that stayed in her subconscious was far different than what she’s seeing right now and the least she understand is how to act around him when she herself is a different person in front of him.

“its my fault entirely. I never gave that chance to you. . .” his voice was low with a hint of regret seeping in.

“Then why now? Why are you trying now.” she still doesn’t understand him. All of his efforts to keep up a futile conversation.

“I want to have another chance with life Riya. Another chance without bitterness and another chance without burdens of my past. I am not sure how far I will succeed, but I want to try. . .” he told her and she listened. She listened as if she was drinking in those words. The efforts he’s making to mend all the broken relations. She remembered how he was normal with the team. How he considers the ETF team as his family. And how the team sees him as a part of it.

But you never had any relation with him apart from achingly frustrating teammate relation and how that turned out later. Hateful, begrudging, and bitter. You can never have that normalcy with him.

“F U C K I N G  M O R O N!” She screamed on top of her voice as she pulled him aside hastily. She stood in the front, shielding him from the intruder, as the intruder, moved past in light speed leaving behind only the trace of a swift wind. That’s when he came out of his trance and noticed her. Her body was still in that defensive position, right hand hovered around him to keep him in the back, the other one was in the air holding her service gun. Her hair, a loose mess sticking to her sides as she muttered some obscenities in the direction the biker left. The biker who was about to hit him.

And when she felt the situation springing back to serenity, she heaved a sigh of relief. “It happens around here. They just never listen, as if daddy made the road for his kids to play PUBG.” She said, irritation laced in her voice.

“You okay?” she asked as soon as she turned to check up on him. He stood there immobile, astonished of her protective instincts and the swiftness with which she pushed him aside. She isn’t anymore the petite figure who once cowered with fear to raise a gun. And he was here to make things normal with her. The her? How much of the her that he knew is still left inside her? He asked himself. 

“Hey?” she said again to bring him back from wherever the thoughts he was wandering in. 

“Sorry... yeah I am good. Thank you.” He fumbled. The proximity with which her body was against his, her rapid breathing  and his reaction to all this, rattled him. He knew where he’s stepping into and he just realised it wont be easy. Her effects on his body felt like achingly irresistible. And he had to make distance between them. At least to keep his sanity in check. He stepped a little away from her.

She saw his repulsion. Probably some butterflies died inside. Probably his repulsion poisoned them. She composed herself back to normal. 

Hope is a  b i  t c h y feeling.

“Never mind.” She said, thanking that little distraction which gave her some time to think about what he said. He said he’s trying to piece together his life. His efforts was a hope for himself and she felt ruthless to crush it right in front of him. He wants a closure form everything and he wants to start afresh. And it appeared to her that, the only thing that’s stopping him was her.

The thing is her life is no clean slate at this point. She cant help him out. She cant help herself out. And just like him, she wants her peace too. And sadly her way of getting it doesn’t involve any ACP Arjun Rawte. Both of them once again started towards the PHC.

“about what you said earlier. What do you want from me?” She asked looking in the eye.

You. 

He was rather surprised with himself as what his mind replied. Without heading into that direction he asked her something else.

“umm how about friendship?” She laughed at that instantly and seeing no reaction from him in return, she stood in a grave silence again. 

“you are not serious.”

 “I am.” She rolled her eyes at him.

“I never made myself to be a good friend.”

“But you still have friends.”

“that’s because they put up with me.”

“I’d too.”

She stopped dead in the track and turned to look him in the eye.

“I don’t understand you ACP.”

“I made a mistake Riya. I want amendments. If you’d have forgiven me completely, you wouldn’t have been this awkward. 

That night, when you came to the rooftop. . .

You told me I’d have something to hold on to.

I am holding on to the people of my life.

And I. . . I am counting you too.” The sincerity of his words got her. He watched her in silence, wondering around what decision her mind must bee circling. He recognize his attempts to be near her is rather desperate, but he also knew, it was long over due.

Both of them stopped in front of a gate after they passed through the security gate. 

“friends?” he asked extending his hand forward. And probably he knew what she’d do. He couldn’t just lose his hope, not yet.

All the events of the past week came crashing onto her. How he wanted to help her out in her case. And how she refused him. She can’t involve him in this. She can’t involve herself with him again. She can’t risk it all over again. The case, the investigation, and more importantly, her feelings and her heart. She crossed her arms across her chest, a clear sign of rejection from her side and smiled at him, “I’d try to be less awkward around you.” And he knew he should withdraw his hands now. She won’t give in. Not yet. She doesn’t trust him.

“Until the next time?”

“How are you so sure we will meet?”

“World is too small for people like us.” He said. But she was distracted. 

He saw her typing in her phone. “I booked a cab for you.” She said after a few moments of staring at him. He wasn’t sure what compelled her to do so. A courtesy as a friend, which she refused to be or she just really want him to go away from him? He hanged himself in between the two possibilities. 

“You are strange Riya Mukherjee.” He said with a smile playing across his face. She returned that smile.

“I wish one day to have our normalcy back.”

“Good night ACP.” She said as she noticed the silhouette of his body amid the flashlight of the cab. Both of them kept looking at each other for some moment. But he finally turned and got into the cab. A text beeped in his phone which was sent by her. He found the tracking information of his journey. 

Good night. He typed with a smile to himself. He didn’t know if his path with her will cross again. But this moment with her felt so peaceful. 

He sent the text and watched the city outside as the cab zoomed out from the PHC area. Tomorrow he’d meet the flat owner where Sheela stayed for a few months before she went missing. He hoped he’d find some lead there. Her employer didn’t have much information on her. She completed all the resignation procedure. She made no hassle. And one say she left, when her notice period was over. He got her salary account details from the company. Shree must be already working on the details. The autopsy was still not clear. Preliminary reports stands still at the theory of hypoxia.

● •●• ●

So that was all about this chapter. 

Did you guys get the ECBF vibes from this one?

Stay safe guys and happy reading